Control mechanism for rocket apparatus



CONTROL MECHANISM FOR ROCKET APPARATUS l I p April 2, 1946. R.`H. GODDARD v CONTROL MECHANISM FOR ROCKET APPARATUS Filed' July 29. 1942 5 ysheets-sneek 2 .nl Il Illllllillllllul I!! Power' 31S @ya April 2, 1946 R. H. GoDDARD 2,397,659

CONTROL MECHANISM FOR ROCKET APPARATUS Filed July 29, 1942 5 sheets-sheet s j 206 ..190 .20@ j??? ggg! zdf 205 7@ 207 I for.

APll 2, 1946- 5 R. H. GQDDARD I 2,397,659

CONTROL MECHANISM FOR ROCKET APPARATUS Filed July 29, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 93 9 Fzyfdl April 2, 1946. R. H. GODDARD. f 2,397,659

CONTROL MEGHANISM FOR ROCKET APPARATUS Filed .July 29, 1942 5 sheets-sheet 5 sa! 393 Jl? .ifo

Patented Apr. 2, 1946 coNTRoL MECHANTSM Foa ROCKET APPARATUS t Robert H. Goddard, Roswell, N. Mex., assis-nor of one-half to The Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Foundation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application July 29, 1942, Serial No. 452,754

20 Claims.

This invention is a continuation in part of my prior application Serial No. 399,333, led June 23, 1941. The invention relates to rockets and rocket craft which are propelled. by combustion apparatus-using liquid fuel, such as gasoline, and a liquid to support combustion, such as liquid oxygen. Such combustion apparatus is disclosed in my prior application Serial N o. 327,257, filed April 1, 1940, now patent No. 2,395,113.

It is the general object of my invention to provide control mechanism by which the necessary operative steps and adjustments for successful operation of such mechanism may be eiected automatically and in predeterminedv and orderly sequence.A More specifically, 1the object in this continuation case Ais to provide for automatic intermittent operation of rocket-type propulsion apparatus for long or short periods, with long or short intervals between, and with any desired degree of thrust.

To the attainment of this object, I provide control mechanism which will automatically initiate and sustain flight, whichlwill automatically discontinue iiight in a safe and orderly manner for intermittent operation, which is able to produce a varying thrust while in operation, and which also can be started again when it is desired to resume operations.

My invention further relates to arrangements and combinations of parts which will be hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out in the'appended claims.

A preferred form of the invention is shown in the drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view oi' my improved" Fig. 7 is a sectional side eleyation of one of the cam-operated control valves;

Fig. 8 is a plan view'of certain parts thereof, partly vin section and looking in the direction of the arrow 8 in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a partial side elevation of an inner member of the valve shown in Fig. 7

Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail view, looking in the direction oi.' the arrow ill in Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is a. detail sectional view, taken along the line Ii-Il in Fig. 7;

Fig. 12 is a sectional side elevation of a com'- bined main oxygen valve and nitrogen rinsing valve, together with bellows operators therefor;

. Fig. 13 is a partial sectional side elevation of another nitrogen rinsing valve and a bellows op- Fig. 1'1 is a side elevation of a. circuit-breaking bellows operator therefor shownA element, with a in' section;

Fig. 18 is a detail perspective view of certain parts of the circuit-breaker shown in Fig. 17;

control mechanism as applied to combustion ap- A paratus of the general type shown in my prior application Serial No. 327,257;

Fig. 1'L is a detail sectional plan view of a generator to be described;

Figs. 2 to 29 inclusive show the detailed construction of many specific features of my inven- Fig. 19 is aside elevation, partly'in section, of

a double bellows circuit-closing device;

Fig. 20 is a side elevation. partly in section, of a pressure regulator for the oxygen and gasoline feedto the generator;

Fig. 21 isan enlarged sectional oi' part of the regulating valve shown in Fig'. 20; A

Fig. 22 is a similar view'but showing the valve in a different position;

Fig. 23 is a sectional side elevation of a valve which controls the nitrogen/ pressure;^

Fig. 24 is a sectional side elevation oi a pump sealing device in running position;A

' Fig. 24a is a partial side elevation of a disc and iiat spring appearing in Fig. 24 'andto be described:.

Fig. 25 is a partial sectional side elevation of an inner pressure tank admission valve;

Fig. 26 is a detail sectional view of certain associated tanks, taken along the line 28-26 in Fig. 1; Fig. 27 is a side elevation, partly in section, of a valve which controls the helium gas feed;

Fig. 28 is a side elevation, partly insection, of

of the outlet of a storage tank and showing a oat valve mounted therein.

Briey described, the rocketapparatus shown,`

6| l(Fig. 3) connected by a brush 62 and wire 63 to a battery Tor other suitable source of electric power. More'than one contact strip, as Sl or S2,

may bev provided in-spaced relation in a single annular path, as shown in Fig. 6.

They contact strips SI to S6 engage associated contact brushes R in a plurality of electrical' circuits, as clearly shown in Fig; 1, and the cam in Fig. 1 comprises a combustion chamber 40 having a nozzle 4I through whichv combustion gases are rearwardly dischargedr to propel the rocket or rocket craft in which the apparatus is mounted. Storage tanks 42, 43, 84 and 45 are provided for gasoline or other liquid fuel, -for liquid oxygen or other liquid oxidizing agent, for liquid nitrogen, and for gaseous helium, respectively. The nitrogen tank 44 is immersed in the liquid oxygen in the lower part of the oxygen tank 43, and the tanks 42 and -43 have the usual filler plugs 42"L and 43"'.

A gas generator 46 supplies gas under pressure to operate turbines 41 and 48, which in turn drive rotary pumps 49 and 50 by which gasoline and liquid oxygen are fed to the combustion chamber 40 and also to the gas 'generator 46.

For a full description of apparatus of the general type above described and of the detailed operation thereof, reference is made to my prior applicationSerial No. 327,257.

Gasoline and oxygen are also fed direct from the tanks 42 and 43 to an igniter 52 having a spark plug 53 .by which the mixed gases are fired to provide an. igniting flame -as combustion is about to be started in the combustion chamber;v

40. Such an igniter is shown in detail in my priorPatent No. 2,090,039. i

Before the apparatus is put in operation, the

gasoline and oxygen tanks 42 and 43 are filled.

The helium gas tank is also lledfat a pressure l of several hundred pounds per square inch.

Nitrogen gas is then introduced from an outside source through a pipe 44"-intothe-nitrogen-tank 44, where it liquees, exerting about 45 lbs. prs-f* sure. When the tank 44 is filled with liquid nitrogen, the gas is cut off by a valve 44h. v

gasoline andoxygen tanks at a moderate amount, such as 30 lbs., by gasgenerating and regulating ymeans to be described.- If the pressure inthe oxygen tank 43 exceeds 35lbs., owing to evaporation, a safety valve 43b opens. The oxygen tank 43 is preferably provided with heat insulation,

' the'generator 46 andto the combustion chamber 40, and relates .also to the control of other `devices 5,0 Nitrogen -gas pressure is maintained in-v the' operators by which numerous valves and switches are shifted in predetermined sequence, as will be hereinafter described.

Thel drum is rotated 'by a, motor M through a pinion 64 and gear 65, and the motor M is driven from a battery T' orl other suitable source of power, to which it is connected'through a switch 68 on a switch lever 66B, actuated by solenoids 61 and 68 (Fig. 5). The solenoid 68 is substantially stronger than the solenoid 61. Accordingly, when the smaller solenoid 61 is energized, the switch 66 is opened, as shown in full lines in Fig. 5, but only lif the .larger solenoid 68 is inactive. When the larger solenoid 68 is energized, the switch 66 is closed, as shown invdotted lines in Fig. 5, whether or not the solenoid 61 is also energized.

-The electrical circuits controlled by the strips SI to S6 function briefly as follows:

Strip SI is in series with the battery T and also with the larger solenoid 68 which closes the switch 66 and starts the drum motor M. The Sl circuit also includes three sub-control switches in parallel, any one of which when closed rmay complete the Sl circuit'when a strip SI is contacted.

strip s2 acts through the smaller soienoid t1 strip sa controls the activity of` tu@ spark plug 53' in the igniter 52. i

Strip` S4 controls a motorlkstaiti circuit: Y. Y y through the solenoid 68, but onlyin conjuncj tion with a thermostatic vcircuit-closer in' theju',

igniter 52. -f

- strip S5 controlstheacuvity o f a .sparlpiug for the generator46; and

Strip S6 controls a motor-starting 'circuit through the larger solenoid 68, but only in. zori-v v Y junction witha circuit-closing device responsivev` v 'y to the pressures in the main oxygen and gasoline feed lines.

The general cycle l.of/operations controlled by f the ,drum 60 through the contact strips Sl to S6 and cam segments CI to C4will now be described,

y after which the more specific construction of the to be described and which are involved in automatic intermittent operation of rocket-type -propulsion apparatus.

Briefly StB-ted, my improved control mechanism comprises a drum 60 (Fig. 1) having a series of contact strips Si, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 (Figs. 1

and 6) and a series Vof cam segments Cl, C2; C3

numerous special `devices included 4in thel control mechanism will be described in detailand with special reference to Figs. 2 to 30 inclusive. The development of the drum 60 and associated contact strips and cam segments a`s shown in Fig. 6 will be found helpful in following the sequence of operations as described in the following pages. In starting position, the contact strips Si .and

S2 engage their associated brushes. When litis f desired to start combustion in the combustion chamber 40, a switch 10 (Fig. 1) is moved to close wire 63 back to the battery T. The solenoid 68` is thus energized, shiftingthe switch lever 66 tol close the switch 66 in the operating circuit be tween the motor :M and the battery T'. The

and air which might have been caused is shown in detail in Figs. 'I to 11 andwill be hereinafter described.

A pipe 12 is connected at one end to each of the control valves AI,A2, A3 and A4, and at the opposite end is connected through a coil 13 in the gasoline tank 42 to the nitrogen tank 44, 'I'he coil 13, being immersed in gasoline in the tank 42, warms the nitrogen suillciently so that any entrained drops of liquid nitrogen will be vaporizedin passing through the coil 13 and before they reach the control valves AI to A4. If the liquid oxygen in the tankf43 is at atmospheric pressure, the vapor pressure of the nitrogen gas in the tank 44, coil 13 and pipe 12 will be approximately forty-five pounds.

When the liquid oxygen is at thirty to thirtyfive pounds pressure, the vapor pressure inthe nitrogen, tankwill be about one hundred and twenty pounds'.

When control'valve Al is opened by cam segment Cl, nitrogen gas under pressure will ilow through the pipe 14 and branch pipes 15 and 15 to bellows operators Bl and B2 respectively, which in turn control nitrogen rinsing valves VI and V2. Valve Vl, when opened, admits liquid nitro- 4gen from the tank 44 through a jacketed pipe Bl ized. Y This injected nitrogen serves the important purpose of diluting and electing from thecomsive' mixture of gasoline and oxygen or gasoline v by leaky fuel valves. f

The pipes sa and u are Jacketed to make certain that liquid rather than gaseous nitrogen enters the rinsing valves VI and V2, as a corre-v sponding amount of gaseous nitrogen would be insuillcient t'o clear the connections. The detailed construction of these rinsing valves and their operating mechanism is shown in detail in Figs. 12 and 13 and will be later described.

Cam segment CI (Fig. 6) then leaves control The specific construction of the igniter 52 'forms no part. oi my presentA invention and the igniter may be similar to that shown in my prior patent No. 2,090,039. For'the present, it is sumcient to'state that when. pressure is applied to the bellows operators B3 and B4, the oxygen and gasoline valves V3 and V4 are opened and oxygen and gasoline flow into theigniter 52, where they mix and areignited by the spark plug 53. A thermostatic control device associated with the igniter sz is shown in detail in Figs. 15 and 16 and will be later described.

At about the same time that control valve A2 is opened by cam segment C2, contact strip S3 completes a circuit through a primary'spark coil 85, the secondary of which has a grounded connection with the spark plug 53, thus energizing the spark plug and starting the igniter .52 in operation. t

-A second contact strip S2 (Fig. 6) then closes the circuit through the small solenoid 6 1 and opens the motor control switch 66 (the solenoid 68 having been previously deenergized by breaking the contact on the strip Si The drum 69 then stops and remains at rest `for a sufficient length of time to insure that an effective flame is produced by the rigniter 52 and is projected into the combustion chamber 40.

As the feeding devices used in my apparatus produce an extremely intimate mixture of gasoline and oxygen as soon as the liquids enter the chamber 40, it is desirable that the mixture' be ignited as promptly as possible 'to avoid risk 'of explosion. For this reason I provide a special construction to scatter or spread the flame widely in the interior 'of the chamber 40, which construction is shown in detailin Figs. 15 and 16 are grounded.

' bustion chamber 49 and generator 45 any explo-v valve AI and valve AI clos, allowing the rinsthe bellows operators B3 and B4 and one of the valves V3 and V4 is shown in Fig. 14 to be described.

A bi-metallic strip 94 is viixed at one 'end to the outside -of the^member 9| and is disposed in Athe annular recess betweensaid member and niter 52 and engages the ycontact 95. The circuit is from the battey T through the brush 62 to the contact strip S4, thence through the solenoid 69 to the insulated stud 95 in the igniter 52.l

When the thermal element 94 engages the stud v95, the circuit is completed through the element 94 to the grounded igniter member 9| and thence to the grounded side of 'the battery T. The solenoid 69 then overcomes the smaller solenoid 61 and'closes the switch 66,I again starting the motor M and drum 69 after the igniter has become -completely operative and the igniting flame is i suilicientlyfintense. 'I'he contact 'strip S3 then l moves out of engagement and breaks the spark 4 ,l plug circuit for the igniter 62, as the spark is no longer. needed. The circuit through contact strip S4 moves out of engagement with its brush,y deenergizing solenoid 68 but leaving the drum 60 in rotation. l

contact strip sz and Smau. y solenoid 61 is then quickly opened, after whichA Cam segment- .C3 (Fig. 6) then opens control valve A3, which allows gas under pressure to ow through pipe 96 to a bellows operator B6 controlling the helium gas supply -to the tanks-42 and 43.

Pressure in the pipe 96 actuates the bellows operator B6 (Figs. 1 and 27) to open a valve 91- `and to close two shut-oil valves 98 and 99, shown in Fig. 1 as connected by a cable |00, bell crank' and cable |02 to the .operating arm'of the assauts The larger solenoid' 6l was previously rendered inactive by breaking thecircuit through S4. The pumps 49 and 6l are connected through .pipes and I|2 (Flg.'1) to the main gasoline and oxygen valves VI2 and VII respectively and by branch pipes Ill* and I|2 (Fig. 1)' to bellows operators BI4 and BIBY (Fig. 19) respectively. These operators Jointlycontrol a switch leverI I3 having a contact |I4 adapted to engage a fixed contact IIS. The lever ||3 is groundedand such` engagement completes the circuit through the valve 91, Opening of the valve 91 allows helium gas at a suitable high pressure maintained by a reducing valve|03 to pass to two small pressure tanks |04 and |05 located in the gasoline and oxygen tanks 42 and 43 respectively. The shutto the gas generator 46. The valves V6 and V1 (Fig. 20) have bellows operators .B6 vand B1 controliedby a regulating bellows B8, all of which special constructions will be later described.

At the same time that cam segment C3 operates, contact strip S5 (Fig. 6) makes contact and fires spark plug |06 in the gas generator 46. Combustion then 'takes place and the combustion gases, together with any excess oxygen gas,

Cam segment C4 on the drum 60 opens control I' valve A4 (Fig. 1) at thesame time that control .valve A3 is opened by cam segment C3. Control valve A4 vis connected through a pipe |01 to bellows operators BII and B|2 which control theI main oxygen valve VII andthe main gasoline valve VI2.' When the Icontrol valve A4. admits pressure to the pipe I 01, the normally closed main4 oxygen and gasoline vvalves VII and VI2; are opened. The construction of one of these operators and valves is shown in Fig. 12 (to be described). Shortly after the main valves VII and VI2 are opened, the cam segment C2 allows control valve A2 to close and the gasoline and oxygen feed to the igniter 52 is discontinued. Thereupon the thermostatic device 94 cools and thereafter maintains the S4 circuit open.

Pressure in a branch pipe |61* actuates bellows operators B| 3 (Fig. 24) to releasesealing delarge solenoid 68 and the contact strip S6 which is at this time engaged with its associated brush.

This starts the motor M in 4further rotation.

The provision oi the bellows operators. BI4 and BIE for the switch lever II3 insures that the helium gas pressure from the" tank 45 will be supplied to force gasoline and oxygen from the small tanks |04 and I 05 to the generator 46 until the pressures in both pumps 49 'and 60 indicate that the gas generator 46 is in a condition of such activity as will permit discontinuance of the helium gas pressure.

Further rotation of the drum 60,now removes the cam segment C3 from engagement with the control valve A3. 'I'his releases pressure on `op erator B6 and permits valve 91 to close and valves 98 and 99 to open. This rotation also removes the contact strip S5 from its associated brush, which opens the circuit of the generator spark plug |06, no longer needed.

The contact strip S6 then passes out of. brush engagement, opening the circuit ofsolenoid 68, and the contact strip Si and an additional contact strip S2 are then engaged, the latter energiz-v ing the small solenoid 61, which opens the switch 66 and again stops the motor. The engagement of SI is preliminary only.

The drum 60 will now remain stationary, even if the contact with the double bellows operated switch at IIE remains closed, as the strip S6 no longer engages its associated brush and the circuit for the larger solenoid' 68 through II 5 is thus open at S6.

As soon as the pumps 49 and 50 are started, it is necessary to supply'nitrogen gas pressure to the tanks 42 'and 43 to eiciently feed the gasoline and oxygen to the pumps. 'For this purpose I provide the regulating valve VI6 and bellows operator BI 6 tank u through a jacketed pipe lzu (Fig. 23) and vices |08 and thus free the pump shafts for rotation. One of thesel sealing devices |08 will be hereinafterA described in detail.

As the spark plug |06 has now been energized by contactof strip S6, the mixture of gasoline and oxygen will be ignited inthe generator.. 46, developing h'eat and pressure and vaporizing excess oxygen gas under pressure, which gas is delivered to the turbines 41 and 46 through' a pipe I I0 and thereafter maintains the turbines 41 and 48 and pumps 4.9 and 50 in operation.

As soon as the parts last described are in effectiye operation, a third contact strip S2 makes contact and again energizes the small solenoid 61, opening the switch 66 and stopping the motor M and drum 66 until the pressures in the pumps 49 and 50 have risen to the full working amount.

to toggle links |26, which may. be manually op' delivers the nitrogen through a pipe I2I tol a heating coil |22 (Fig. 1) wound on the discharge nozzle 4| of thecombustion chamber 40. The coil |22 is connected by a pipe |23 and branch pipes |231ai to the tanks 42 and 43 respectively.A The branch pipes |23* have check valves opening toward the tanks. The nitrogen is evaporated by the heat of the nozzle'. Y

In order to initially provide nitrogen gas pres- I sure for the tanks 42 and 43, nitrogen gas from an external source may be introduced through a feed pipe having a shut-oi! valve |24 (Fig. 1). .A second shut-on? valve |26 is provided below the branch pipe |23. v

The valve VI6 (Fig. 23) includes a valvel member |26 mounted on a valve rod |21 and connected erated through a connection |29. When the propulsion apparatus is not in use, the valve VI6 may be closed manually by straightening the toggle |29 andthus raising the valve member |26. As soon as the pumps 49 and 50 are star-ted, however, the valve member |26 is to be manually reasoacce leased for automatic control by the nitrogen gas pressure in the pipe |23 which is communicated by a branch pipe |23b tothe bellows operator B|6.

A regulated pressure of approximately 30 lbs. e

is thus automatically maintained in the tanks 42 and .43. The detailed operation of this automatic pressure control will be later described.

The rocket motor is now under full power and will continue to operate as described in detail inA my prior application Serial No. 327,257, until it is stopped manually or by exhaustion of fuel or by some accidental occurrence.

The apparatus ,may be rendered inoperativev position by turning the drum 60 backward by use of the hand wheel |38 (Figs.1 and 2). Special provision tol be described is made to permit shiftmanually by momentarily closing the switch I0 a second time. This first energizes the large solenoid 68 through strip SI, previously contacted.

Solenoid 68 then overcomes the small solenoid 6l and-'closes the switch 66, thus starting the drum 60 thrbugh a small forward movement, during which the circuit through contact strip S2 and solenoid 61 is broken by disengagement of S2 and its brush, and the cam segment C4 moves along and allows the control valve A4 to close.

Closing of the control valve A4 releases pressure in the pipe |01 and this allows the main oxygen valve VI I andthe main gasoline valve V|2 to close. Release of pressure in the pipe |01* also permits the bearings of the pumps 49 and 50 to be sealed against leakage while idle.

A slight further rotation of the drum causes a second cam segmentCl to open the control valve AI momentarily, thus again admitting liquid nitrogen through the rinsing valves VI and V2 to the combustion chamber 40 and to the generator 46 and thereby extinguishing combustin in the chamber and generator. Segment CI then leaves valve AI and the valves V| and V2 close.

The manually controlled switch 10 is now released, if not previously released, rendering solenoid 68 inactive. The contact strip SI and its associated brush remain in preliminary contact. however, so that the drum may be ready for a new cycle of operation. i

The initial contact strip S2 then engages its brush, causing current to pass through the small solenoid 61 and open the switch 86, thus bringing the drum-to rest.

A star wheel switch |32 (Figs. 2 and 4) is then automatically opened, preferably by a pin |33 on the e'nd of the 'drum 60 which engages a part of the star wheel as the drum stops. The details of this switch are shown in Figs. 2 and 4 and will be later described. The control circuit through the solenoid 61 is thus broken but the switch 66 is left open. When the mechanism is again started by closing the'hand switch l0, the pin |33 will advance the star wheel switch |32 to normal closed position.

If one of the fuel tanks becomes empty, .a float switch |35 or |35l (Figs. 1 and 32) will close the circuit through the larger solenoid 68 (as above.

described for the hand switchl 10) and will bring the apparatus to rest in the same manner asis eiIected by momentarily closing said hand switch. Such a. float switch isshown andv described in my copending application Serial No. 327,257 and the details thereof form no part Vof my present ining the drum axially during such backward movement, so that the contact strips and cam segments will be out of alignment with their coacting elements during backward movement of thev drum. The control circuits through the strips SI to S6 are thus all open and the control valvesv AI to A4 are all closed. The axial shift of the drum is accomplished by mechanism shown in Fig. 2 and to'be described.

In normal intermittent operation, with long or short intervals between full stop and re-start,

it is merely necessary to close the hand switch 10 to again start the drum 60.

The general construction and operation of the control apparatus above described is similar in many ways to that shown in my original application, Serial No. 399,333, but differs therefrom in certain important respects by which the apparatus is adapted for intermittent operation. These differences relate particularly to the provision of the helium gas pressure tank 45 and its operating connections to the tanks 42 and 43; to the provision of the small pressure tanks |04 and |05 in the tanks 42 and 43; to the provision ofthe nitrogen regulating valve V|6 and its bellows operator BIS; in the provision of the new pump sealing device shown in detail in Fig. 24, and to the provision of novel regulating valves V6` and V1 for the gas generator 46, which valves are automatically controlled by the manually ad- In Figs. 2 to 4, I have shown details of construction of the control drum 60 and, certain associated parts. The drum 60 is rotated by the motor M through the pinion 64 and gear 65 previously described, and comprises an inner cylinder 60 on which the cam segments C| to C4 are mounted, and a metal cylindrical shell 6I to which the contact strips SI to S6 are connected. A sleeve |50 of insulating material separates the drum or cylinder 60 from the shell 6|, and the contact strips as Sl are mounted outside of an insulating sleeve |5| but are each electrically connected to the shell 6|. The metal sleeve 6| extendsbeyond the insulating material 5| at one end to provide contact surface for the brush 62 which is connected through the wire 63 to the battery T.`

The switch |32 previously mentioned comprises a star wheel |32 (Fig. 4) pivoted on a xed support |52 (Fig. 2) and engaged by the pin |33 the same as occurs when the switch I0 is manually closed. The detalls of construction ol vthe once in each revolution of the drum 60. The star wheel is interposed'in the circuit which controls the smaller solenoid 61 vwhich opens the switch 66, and one finger of the star wheel normally engages a fixed spring contact |53 to close the circuit at the switch |32.

' outer casing or sleeve I 9|' is slidable.

vvalve |92 is normally h eld in closed position by v a springv|93 and prevents flow of gas under pres- The star wheel |32 is engaged by the pin |33 just before the drum completes a. revolution and is thus moved olf of the contact |53, thus breaking the circuit of the solenoid 61 and leaving the switch 66 closed. As soon as the drum is started for another operation, the pin |33 advances the star wheel to again `engage the contact |53 and leaves these parts in operative engagement until another revolution of the drum completed.

It is desirable to prevent the cam segments f and contact strips on the drum 60 from completing circuits or operating valves during a backward or resetting movement of the drum 60. For this purpose, the drum 60 (Fig. 2) -and hand wheel |38 are frictionally driven from the drum shaft, so that the drum will ordinarily turn with the shaft but may befturned relative to the shaft by the hand wheel |38 for resetting..

'I'he drum 60 is also recessed in one end, as shown at |54 in Fig. 2, to receivea compression spring |55.v A collar |56 is xed to the drum shaft to' abut the spring |55,` and a second collar |51 deiines the normal axial position ofthe drum. The engaging surfaces of the hand wheel .|38 and the collar |56 provide sumcient friction to cause the drum 60 to turn normally with the drum shaft.

When resetting the drum after a partial revolution, the operator rst grasps the hand wheel |39 and shifts the drum axially against the spring |55 far enough so that the contact strips SI to S6 and the' cam segments CI to C4 will be out of alignment with their associated brushes and valve actuator rolls. The drum can then be turned back to initial starting position. When released, the spring |55 will restore the drum to normal axial operating position. Resetting from any position between the initial and final positions of the drum 60 is readily accomplished in the manner above described.

Fig. shows the details of the solenoid-operated motor-starting` switch 66 and has been previously described.

Fig. 6 is a development of the surface of the drum 60, with the contact strips and cam segments arranged thereon as set forth in the preceding description of operation.

.In Figs. 7 to 11 I have shown theconstruction of the control valve AI, which isidentical with the control valves A2, A3 and A4.

The pressure supply pipe 12 is connected to a xed inner casing I 90'on which a cylindrical A ball sure to the control pipe 14. The outer sleeve I9| isprovided at its rear end with a cam roll |94 adapted to be engaged by a cam segment CI on` ythe drum 60. A fixed guide-roll |95 offsets the side thrust of the cam segment CI on such engagement and facilitates sliding movement of the sleeve |9|.

The iixed cylinder |90 has a longitudinally` separated inner chamber |96 supported by a 05 this valve.

branch Avent pipe I'91 which connects into the control pipe 14, The chamber |96 has a vent port adapted to be closed by a ball valve |98 actuated by a spring |99. When the valve |98 is open, the pipes 14 and |91. are vented to the atmosphere through slots 200 in the outer sleeve A stud (Fig. 8) is lmounted on a cross-pin 202 carried by the'outer sleeve |9|. When the roll l[91| is not engaged by a -cam segment CI,`

the pin`20| engages the ball vent valve |98 and 10 sion 203 of the xed inner casing |90.

the Spring |99.

vents the pipes 14 and m, but waesche rou is engaged by a' cam segment, the pin 20| moves to the right in Fig. I and the vent valve |98 closes.

s The second pm zo: (ne. s) is mounted in a disc 204 which is perforated as indicated at 205 (Fig. 10) and whichis supported on a crosspin 206, also secured in the outer sleeve |9I and movable axially in slots 201 in a reduced. exten- Bellows packings 209 and 2|0 connect the disc 204 at each side to the ilxed. inner casing |90, and the pressures at the opposite sides of the disc are equalized through the perforations 205.`

15 With this construction, a small-movement of the outer sleeve |9 to the right by engagement with a relatively thin cam segment, as CI, will open the ball pressure valve |92 and admit pressure to the control pipe l11|, and will simultane- 2|)v ously permit the ball vent valve |99 to close the branch or vent pipe |91. When the cam segment C| thereafter leaves the roll |94, the outer sleeve I9| is moved to the left by the spring |93 (Fig. 7) which is larger and stronger than The pressure valve |92 then closes and the vent valve |99 is opened tovent the pipes 14 and |91.

In Fig. 12 I have shown the detailed structure of the main oxygen valve `V|| and the bellows 30 operator Bl l-therefor andalso the nitrogen rinsing valve VI and the bellows operator B| therefor.

The'main oxygen valve VI I comprises a. chamsupply pipe I2 extends inward and upward within thechamber2|2 and the upper inner end of the pipe I|2 is normally closed by a valve, member 2|4, mounted on the lower end of a rod 2I5.

the closed upper end of an inner cylinder 2I6, mounted within the xed outer casing 2I1 of the bellows operator B|| and connected thereto by a bellows member2l8. A spring 2I9 normally forces the cylinder 2|6', rod 2I5 and valve member 2|4 downward to close the supply pipe I'I2. The lower part of the rod 2|5 is loosely slidable through a guide-plate 220. The reduced lower end of the bellows operator BII is connected to the upper end of the inner cylinder 2|6 by a bellows packing sleeve 22|.

The control pipe |01 from the control valve A4 connects through the outer casing 2I1 of the bellows operator BI When pressure is applied through the pipe |01, the inner cylinder 2||iY is forced upward against thespring 2 I9, thus opening the valve member 2|4 and admitting oxygen to the combustion chamber 40. When the control pipe |01 is vented, the spring 2I9 promptly closeslthe oxygen supply pipe |I2. It will be noted that the direction of opening of the valve member 2I4 is'such that pump pressre in the pipe ||2 will tend to open, vrather than to close,

chamber 224 to which the nitrogen supply pipe 80 is connected. A valve member 225 between the chambers 222 and 224 is normally closedby a spring 226 which'is strong enough to overcome the nitrogen pressure in the pipe 80.'

A plunger 221 connected at its upper end t0 The upper end of the rodv 2I5 is connected to member 226 in the bellows operator BI, which operator hasa ilxed; outer casing. 23|| to which` the upper end of the bellowsvmember 2261s se' cured. A spring 23| is introduced between the plate 226 and a shoulder of the fixed casing 236 and normally vlifts the plunger 221 away from the valve member 226.

The pressure or control pipe 16 from the control valve A| is connectedto the space inside of the bellows member 226 through an inwardly depressed portion of the upper end of the casing When pressure is admitted through the pipe 16, the bellows oper-- 236 of the bellows operator BI.

ator BI overcomes the spring 23| and opens the nitrogen valve VI to admit nitrogen to the oxy gen valve V|| and its connectionto the com.

The construction ofthe bellows operator B4 and valve V4 which control the now of gasoline from the pipe 262 (FIL 1) to the igniter 52 is .substantially the same as that of the operator B3 and valve V3 above described. Check valves m and m 1n the feed pipes 260 'and 282 prevent reverse flow when 'the pressure in the combustion chamber 4I exceeds the pressure in the bustion chamber 46. thus rinsing these parts with nitrogen and electing any explosive mixture of gases therefrom. A bellows seal 232 connects the plate 226 to the upper end 0f `the casing of the valve VI to prevent leakage of nitrogen around the plunger 221. Fig. 13 is a sectional elevation of the nitrogen rinsing valve V2 and bellows operator B2 associated with the oxygen connection to the generator 46. Under normal conditions, oxygen is present in the oxygen suppli1 pipe 235 and in the generator connection 236 and also in the lower portion o( the valve V2 below the valve member 231, which valve member is normally pressed-upward to closed position by a spring 236. When the valve V2 and the generator connection 23-6 are to be rinsed, nitrogen gas from the supply pipe 6| is admitted by automatically depressing the valve member'231 by the bellows operator B2 provided for thisvpurstorage tanks 42 and 43.

Fiss. 15 and 16 relate to the construction of the igniter 62 forlthe combustion chamber 46 and have previously been fully described.

Figs. 17 and 18 show the detailed construction of the control switch |31 and the bellows operator B|1 by which themotor is stopped on substanial fall of pressure in the combustion chamber Y The switch |31 comprises a thin resilient contact strip mounted in a ilxed stud 216 which is connected to the con-trol circuit of the solenoid 66 in parallel with the manually controlled startli118 switch 16. The contact strip is normally positioned midway between a contact stud 21| through which the solenoid circuit is completed and a stop pin 212. The outer end of the strip |31 is positioned for engagement by the laterally projectinghooked upper end 213 of a ilat`rod This bellows operator consists of a bellows member 236 mounted within a nxed casing 240 having a reentrant portion 24| to which one end of the pipe 16 is connected. 'I'he lower end of the bellows member 236 is closed by a, plate 242 to which is :secured a plunger 243, the lower'end of which slides freely through a guide-plate 244 in the upper part of the valve V2.. When pressure is admitted through the pipe 16 by operation of the control valve AI, the Vplate `242 and' niter 52 from a supply pipe 266 which extends to the oxygen tank 43.

214, actuated by the bellows operator B|1.

This bellows operator comprises a iixed outer casing 216 connected by a pipe 21-6 tothe combustion chamber 46 (Fig. 1) and contains a bellows member 211 nxed to the upper'end plate 218 of the casing 216. A plate 216 at the lower end of the bellows member 211 is connected to the lower end of the nat bar 214, which bar 'eX- tends upward through a perforated guide-'plate 266 in the upper end 216 of the casing 216. A compression spring 26| holds the parts in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 17 when 'there is no pressure in the combustion chamber 46.

' As the pressure in the combustion chamber 46 and also in the bellows operator B|1 rises to operative value. the bellows member 211 is compressed and the lateral projection or hook 213 of the ilat rod 214 forces the contact strip |31 upward against the stop 212 and then slips upward past the end of thev strip tothe positionv shown in dotted lines in Pig. 17.

If the pressure in the combustion chamber 46 thereafter falls substantially', due to failure of fuel supply or to failure of any part of the appa- The valve V3 comprises a casing 25| forming an upward extension of the igniter 52 and having a valve member 262 movable upwardto close a port in the partition 263 which separates the.

valve V3 from the igniter 52. 'Ihe valve member 252 is actuated by a rod 265 extending upward into the bellows operator B3 and connected to a plate 256 forming the upper end of al bellows member 251. lThis bellows memberis mounted in a casing 256 which is connected to the control valve A2 by the pipe 64 previously described.

ratus to function as intended, the pressure in the bellows operator B|1 will decrease and the spring 26| will force the bar 214 and hook 213 downward, moving the contact strip |31 into engagement with the stud 21| and thus completing a circuit through the solenoid 66 to start the motor Ml and initiate the successive operations necessary to bring the apparatus torest, all as previously described. It is not desirable that the circuit through the switch |31 remain closed as the apparatus stops v ,and the pressure in the combustion chamber ap- A spring 269 holds the valve 262 normally closed,

and a bellows sleeve 266 prevents leakage from the casing 25| around the valve rod ,265. Y

When the control valve A2 admits pressure through the pipe 64, the rod 266 and valve member 252 are depressed, thus admitting oxygen tothe igniter 52.

proaches atmospheric. Accordingly I provide the flat rod 214 with a guide-pin 263 movable in a slot 264 in a xed guide-plate V285 (Fig. 18). The lower end of the slot 264 is curved outward, as indicated at 266,' so that the hook 213 is moved to the left in Fig. 17 to clear the end of the strip |31 as the hook approaches its normal inoperative A o r lower position.

In Fig. 19 I- have shown the detalls of construction of the double bellows contact maker which insures that helium gas starting pressure will be'- .supplied to the small tankslll and |66 until the desired opera are attained in the supply pipes and ||2 to which gasoline and oxygen respectively are delivered by the pumps 49 and 50.

This double bellows contact maker comprises duplicate bellows operators BI4 and BI5 (Flg. 19) respectively connected at their lower ends to branches |a and I2 of the gasoline and oxygen supply pipes III and ||2. Each operator BI4. and B| comprises a bellows member 290 having a iixed lower end plate 29| and also having a movable upper end plate 292 pivoted to one end of the contact lever ||3 previously described. A

tension spring 294 in each operator tends to'contract the bellows operator in which' it is mounted.

A guide-rod 295 is loosely pivoted to the center of the lever I3 and is guided for limited vertical movement in a iixed casing 296.-

tion of the oxygen valve V1 and its operator B1v are identical with the valve V6 and operator B6, which latter are shown-in section in Fig. 20 and will now be described in detail. I

The gasoline-regulating valve V6 receives gaso- I line from the discharge pipe (Fig. 1) of the gasoline pump 48 through a branch pipe I I |b and check valve 300 and delivers gasoline through a pipe 30| to the upper end 0f the gas generator 46.

The oxygen-regulating` valve V1 similarly receives liquidY oxygen from the pump 50 `through a branch pipe ||2b and check valve 302 and delivers said oxygen through `a pipe 303 to the rinsing valve V2, from which it is fed tangentially to the generator 46 through the pipe |4| previously described.

A pipe 304 connects the small pressure tank |04 in the gasoline tank 42 through a check valve 305 to thev branch pipe |||h above the check valve 300, and a pipe 306 similarly connects the small tank |05 through a check valve 301 to the branch pipe |I2b `to the left of the check valve`302. A safety valve 308 is provided to relieve any excess pressure in the pipe 306. L

The valve V6 (Fig. 20) comprises a valve member 3|0 normally pressed upward to Aclosed position by a spring 3||. lThe bellows operator B6 comprises a casing 3| 2 having a recessed upper end portion 313 and containing a bellows member "m 3 I4 provided with a movable lower end plate 3|5. A plunger 3|6 is secured to the end plate 3|5 and is guided near its lower end in an opening in a Exactly similar structure in the oxygen valve V1 and bellows operator B1 permits oxygen to iow from the inlet pipe I |2b (Fig. l) through the outlet pipe 303 (Fig. to the generator 46 when pressure is applied through the pressure pipe 32 I It will beV noted that the bellows members 3I4 and '3|8 act in opposition to each other, and that the position of the plunger 3|6 is determined by the diierential action of these two bellows members. The pressure in the bellows 3 |8'rises toward the delivery pressure of the pump 49 as soon as the valve 3|0 is opened by the plunger 3|6.

The bellows member 3|4 is much larger than the member 3|8 and operates at relatively low through the successive branch pipes |23 and |23c through a bianch pipe 332 to the pipe 32|. TheI `plungei 321 is slidable in a perforated partition pressurev control of the bellows operator B8.

This bellows operator comprises a casing 323 (Fig. 20) having a reduced upper end portion 324 .to which the nitrogen pressure pipe |23`is connected. A pipe 325 connects the casing portion 324 to the branch pipes 320 and 32| previously described.

A plunger 321 is vertically slidable in the casings 323 and 324 and is connected at its lower'l end to a tension spring 328. which inturn is connected through a cord 329 to a tension regulating device G (Fig. 1) ,the details of which are shown in Figs. 28 and 29, tobe described.

A plate 330 (Fig. 20) is mounted onthe plunger 321 and forms the upper end of a double bellows member 33| th'e interior of which is connected 334 and, when released of tension, is pressed upward by a spring 335 acting against a collar on the plunger.

In its upper portion, the plunger 321 has tw'o valve members 340 and 34| slidably mounted thereonand adapted to close openings in the upper and lower end'svof th'e upper casing portion 324. The opening in the lower end communicates with atmosphere through' openings 342 (Fig. 20) in the upper part of the casing portion 323. The opening in the upper end communicates direct with th'e pressure pipe |236.

the plunger will engage the valve 3|0 and force the same downward, permitting gasoline to ilow from the inlet pipe I||b through the outlet pipe 30| to the generator 46.

Cross pins 344 determine the norma1 positions in Fig. 21, with the gas pressure pipe |23c closed oi by the valve member 340. The springs 335 and 345 areV of suiicient strength to overcome the normal thirty pounds nitrogen gas pressure in the At the same time; the valve member 34| is raised from the lower endoi the Vcasing 324, thus venting the bellows members 3|4 i the bellows operators B6 and B1 and also venting the double bellows member 33|. The springs 3|| (Fig. 20) thereupon close the valve members 3| 0 to-shut oi feed of gasoline and liquid oxygen to the generator 46.

'asissl'iowninli'igl 320 and 32| paratus depends the valve members (Fig. 20).

A321 is drawn downward, overcoming the spring 335 and moving the plunger to some such position 22, vwith the valve member 34| closing the lower end ofthe casing 324 andwith the valve member 340 moved downward to open the pressure pipe I 23.

Nitrogen gas pressure is th'en transmitted through the connection 325 and the branch pipes to the bellows Operators Bs and B7 and also through the branch pipe 332 to the double belows member 3|. The member 33| thereupon acts in opposition to the tension of the spring 323 to bring the plunger 321 to rest for some pressure intermediate between zero and 30' lbs.

This balance of forces thereafter maintains a regulated pressure vfor and B1 so long as the tension of the spring 328 and the pressure in the pipe |23 remain constant. The propulsive force or thrust of the rocket apparatus varies with the rate of feed of gasoline and oxygen to the combustion chamber by the pumps 49.and 50. The speed of these pumps is determined by the turbines 41 and 48, and the speed oi the turbines is determined by th'e rate at which combustion gases and oxygen gas are pro.. duced in the generator 45. This rate of gas pro duction depends onl the rate of feed of gasoline and oxygen from the regulating valves Vand Vl through' the pipes 30| and 303 to the generator 46.

Consequently the propulsive thrust of the apon the amount of opening of Such valve opening .depends on the operation of the bellows members 3I4 in the operators B5 operator B8, which in turn depends on the tension of the spring 328. Consequently, by-varying the tension of the spring 328, the propulsive force or thrustof the rocket apparatus may be variably controlled. g

The tension'regulating device G (Figs. 28 and 29) provided for varying th'e tension on the spring 328 comprises a tlxed support 350 in which a slide 35| is movably mounted and supported.' The support 350 is provided with a graduated scale 352 and the slide 35| is provided with a similar graduated scale 353. has a bolt and slot connection to the slide 35| and may be adjusted lengthwise of the slot 356 to any desired position which will be indicated on the scale-353.

'Ilhe slide 35| is locked to th'e support 350 by a locking plunger 351 which extends into a .selected opening 358 in the support 350. The plunger 351 may be manually withdrawn by shifting a spring-pressed lever 359'when adjustment of the slide 35| relative to the support 350 is desired.

A bellows casing 360 Ais xed on the slide 35| and a movable casing 38| telescopes therein. A double bellows memberv352 is connected to th'e inner end surfaces of the casings -360 and 36| and is adapted to receive pressure through the pipe |01b- (Fig. 1) which connects through check valves to the pipes |01 and.96 controlled by the valves A3 'and A4. Pressure is thus available in the pipe |01 whenever either valve A3 or A4 is opened.

A tension spring 364 in the double bellows member 362 normally vdraws the telescoping cas# ing 36| inward to relieve the tension on the spring 328 when no pressure is supplied to the pipe |01b from veithercontrol valve A3 or A4. When pressure is so admitted to the bellows member 362, the casing 36| will be moved to the right in Fig.

and B1 under control of th'e bellows An index block 3554 l changing the setting for the the bellows operators B6 the valves in the 3|0 in the valves V6 and V1 28 until it engages the index determines the initial extension of the spring 323. By adjusting the block 355 along the scale 353, this initial extension and corresponding tensioning of the spring 328 may be selectively determined.

Ii during the operation of the apparatusl a change in propulsive force is desired without initial spring tension, such a change may be accomplished by manually withdrawing the locking plunger 351 and shitting the slide 35| relative to the support 350, the amount of such movement being indicated by the displacement of the scales 352 and 353 relative to each other. I am accordingly able to control the propulsive thrust very simply by initially setting the block 355 and by relatively shifting the slide 35|.

Asthe nitrogen and as the control 320, 32| and 323 gas 'pressure is relatively low,

is even lower, the position of regulator B8 (Fig. 20) may be varied and controlled by a relatively light spring 328 and the slide 35|,may be quite easily adjusted manually to vary the tension of this light spring durin the continued operation of the machine.

Fig. 23 shows the details of the valve VIS and bellows operator B|8 by which the nitrogen gas pressure in the distributing pipe |23 is-maini tained at a selected' uniform pressure, commonly 30 lbs. per square inch.

The valve V|6 and its connections have been previously described. The bellows operator BIS comprises a casing 310, a recessed inner plate 31| and reversed bellows members 312 and 313 connected to said plate. A pipe |23 connects the nitrogen gas distributing pipe |23 to the interior of the casing 310 and by the movable plate31|and the reversed bellows members 312 and 313. The plate 31| is secured to the valve rod |21 'by which the valve member |26 of the valve V|6 is moved to open and closed positions. A spring 314 tends to move the valve memberl 23 to open position.

With this construction, and assuming that the toggle members |28 havefbeen removed from locking'position, an increase in pressure in the pipe |23b will compress the spring 314 and produce a closing movement of the valve member |28, thus reducing the supply of liquid nitrogen 'to the pipe |2| which feeds the heating coil |22.

If pressure in the pipe |23h falls oil, the spring 314 will act to increase the opening of the valve VI8 and to correspondingly increase the supply n oi' liquid nitrogen.

The nitrogen gas pressure in the distributing pipe |23 is thus maintained substantially uni- In Fig. 24 I have shown the details of construction of the sealing device |08 for the shaft 380 of the pump-J in running position, it being understood that the sealing device for the pump 49 is identical. It is desirable in control apparatus for intermittent operation that the pump should be released by pressure only when'the apparatus is in operation.

Each sealing device |08 'comprises a disc 38| mounted on a4 pump shaft, as 380, and having radially disposed ribs 382 running with close clearance relative toa xed plate 333 forming part of the casing 384l oi the sealing device |08.

A sealing ring 388 oi' relatively small diameter block :u wmhthus pressure in the branch pipes to the space enclosed is mounted on the inside of the disc 38| and rotates adjacent an inner plate 388, loosely surrounding the shaft 380 and held from rotation by albellows member 389. An outer plate or the plate 388 and overlaps Yielding fiat spring members 395 (Fig. 24a) are mounted on the inner face of the disc 38| and yieldingly engage the outer surface ofthe outer plate 390 beforethe sealing ring 386 engages the corresponding surface of the inner plate 388.

When -the apparatus is at rest and there is novpressure in the branch pipes |01, the sealing ring 388 yielding engagement and seal the shaft 380.

Bellows operators BI3 are mounted in outward extensions 384e of the casing 384 and comprise bellows members 395B having movable end plates 396 attached to plungers 391. The bellows members 395a are normally compressed by springs 398.

When pressure is applied through the branch pipes |01 to the bellows members 395, the plungers 391 are pushed against theouter plate 390 and move the non-rotated plates 390 and 392 away from the fiat springs 395 and the sealingring 386 and to the running position shown in Fig. 24. Subsequently the shaft 380 is free to rotate -and the radia1 ribs 382 provide the necessary sealing action during such rotation.

the opening around and the inner plate 388 are in close As soon as the speed of the pump decreases substantially, however, the pressure in the pipes |01a will be reduced, the plungers 391 are withdrawn bythe springs 398, the outer plate 390` engages the rotated at springs 395, and the inner plate 392 thereafter engages the sealing ring 386, thus. eiectively sealing the pump while Ait4 is idle. The preliminary engagement of the flat rotated springs 395 with the non-rotated disc 390 when the pump is slowing down, and the delayed separation of these parts when the speed is increasing substantially decreases the wear on the sealing ring 386 and correspondingly prolongs thev useful life of the sealing surface.

Fig. 25 is a sectional detail of one of the inner tanks |04 or |05 and shows the check valve structure by which the tank is filled with gasoline or liquid oxygen. This valve structure comprises v a valve casing400 having a valve member 40| yieldingly drawn up away from its seat by a light spring 402. The tanks |04l and |05 are submerged inthe liquid contents of the tanks. 42 and 43 and will be automatically filled with the liquid when the shut-off valves 98 and 99 (Fig.'1) are opened to vent the small pressure the bellows operator B5 through which the control valve A3 opens the valve 91 and closes the .valves 98 'and 99 against the tension of the spring 4|0 (Fig. 1). The bellows operator B5 issimply constructed and comprises a casing 4|2 enclosing a bellows member 4I3, the movable end 4|4 of which is connected by a rod 4I5 to an arm 4|6 which actuates the rotatable shut-oi member of the valve 91. The pipe 96 from the control valve A3 is connected'to the vrecessed upper end 4|1 of the operator B5 and admits pressure to the bellows 4|3, thus depressing the arm 4|6 to open the valve 91 and to tension the cord |02 and close the valves 98 and 99 when the control valve A3 is opened and operative.

Having described the method of operation of a preferred form of my improved control mechanism and also the details of construction of the special valves and other devices used in said mechanism, it is believed that the advantages of my invention will be clearly apparent.

By the use of. this control mechanism, the rocket apparatus may be started by momentary manual closing of the switchA 10 and, without further attention'by the operator, the control mechanism will then automatically perform the necessary sequence of predetermined steps to place the apparatus in full operation andV will thereafter close down the apparatus, also in a sequence of predetermined steps, on a second facilitates the successful operation of rocket apparatus and particularly in cases where no manual control is possible.

My improved apparatus is adaptedto interl mittent'opera-tion by its self-contained construction, as it is independent of all-outside pressure connections for supplying tank pressures, starting the pumps and keeping the'pumps sealed when not in use. In place of such outside connections, obviously not available after the'initial start, I provide the-helium gas tank and the relatively small pressure tanks in the tanks 42 and 43. The use of helium inthe tank 45 is de'- sirable, as it does not readily condense under heavy pressure.

'I'he provision of improved sealing devices-` which are normally vsealed by spring pressure rather .than gas pressure also avoids the use of outside pressure connections.

The provision of means for varying the pro- A pulsive thrust by changing the. setting of .the

tension regulating device G is also important 'and` additional to the disclosure in my prio'r applicatanks |04 and |05 into the top portions of the tanks 42 and 43. v

When the valves 98 and 99 are closed and helium gas pressure is supplied from the tank 45 (Figl), through the pipe 405, check valves 496 and branch pipes 401 and 408, the valves 40| will immediately close and the liquid contents of the pressure tanks |04 and |05 Awill be forwarded to the generator 46 through the delivery pipes 304 and 306 previously described.

In order to conserve space, the pressure |05 in the oxygen tank 43 is nested in a recess in the side of the nitrogen tank 44 as clearly shown in Fig. 26.

. In Fig. 27, I have shown lthe construction of tion;

In Fig. 30 I have shown a modified electrical arrangement for opening and closing the control valves A3 andvA4 without cam action from the drum 60. y f

In this modified construction, the movable members of the control valves A3 and A4 are connected to plungers 450 and 45| (Fig. 30) slidable in solenoid coils 452 and 453. YOne side of tank each coil is connected` through a wire 454 to one pole of a battery T2, and the other terminals of the coils are connected by wires 455 and 466 toV pivoted armatures 451 and'458 in interlocking control switches K and KI. 'Ihe amature 451 in the switch K is vmovable to engage a terminal 460 connected by a wire 46| to the second pole of the battery T2. A corresponding terminal 482 in the switch KI is similarly connected by a wire 483 yto the battery T2.

The control switches K and KI are provided with magnets N and N| respectively, connected at one side by wires 485 to the terminal 95 (Fig. I6) in the igniter 52 which is engaged by the thermostat member 94when the igniter is in full operation. The other side of each magnet is connected by a.wire 456 to a battery T2.

s With this construction, expansion of the thermostat member 94 in the ignlter 52 when the contact strip S4 is in circuit will close the battery circuits through the magnets N and N|,`which magnets then attract the armatures 451and 458.

causing them to engage the Aterminals 488 and.

462 and to thus complete operating circuits through the solenoids 452 and 453. These solenoids then attract the plungers 450 and 45| which are connected to open the control valves A3 and A4. The opening of these control valves then initiates the same cycle of operations as described when the valves A3 and A4 were opened by the cam segments C3 and C4 on the drum B0.

As the drum continues to rotate, cam segment C2 leaves control valve A2 and the feed of gasoline and oxygen to the igniter is discontinued. The device 94 cools and thereafter holds the S4 circuit open and also the circuits of the magnets N and NI, but the circuits through the armatures 451 and 458 and solenoids 452 and 453 remain closed.

When the switch 485 is closed, the valve A4 closes and the drum 80 is again started. Fur-' are used in the specification and also in the claims, y

it is to be understood that these terms include other liquid fuels and also other oxidizing agents which are liquid-at very low temperatures.

The pump sealing structure best shown in. Fig.

24 is not claimed herein but forms the subject matter of a divisional application, Serial No. 647,606, tiled February 14, 1946. v

Having thus described my, invention and the advantages thereof, I do not wish to be limited to the details herein disclosed, otherwise than as set forth'in the claims, but what I claim is:

1. In a rocket apparatus, a combustion chamber, a gas generator, storage tanks for gasoline and'liquid oxygen, pumps to feed said liquids from The plunger 41| is norsaid tanks to said generator and to said combustion chamber, turbines to drive said pumps, said generator producing gas to drive said turbines, and additional quick-acting high-pressure means to initially feed small portions of said gasoline and liquid oxygen to said gas generator to start gas production therein.

2. In a rocket apparatus, a combustion chamber, a gas generator, storage tanks for gasoline and liquid oxygen, pumps to feed said liquids from said tanks to said generator and to said combusvalve A2 has closed. I'he friction drive of the l drum through spring permits the stopping l of the drum without stopping the motor M.

When suiilcient pressure is developed by the pumps 49 and 50, the bellows operators B|4 and BI5 (Fig. 19) will lift the lever H3 and close a switch 480, thus completing a circuit through-a second magnet N2 in the interlocking control switch K. 'Ihe armature 48| of this magnet N2, normally rests against the end of the armature 451 of the magnet N but drops to the holding position shown in Fig. 31 when the magnet N is energized and the armature 451. is swung upward. This locks the armature 451 in circuit-closing position until the magnet N2 is energized by the closing of the switch 480. then raised and thev armature 451 is released to break the solenoid circuit land allow the control valve A3 to close. At the same time, solenoid 41,0 will be deenergized and plunger 41| will move outward, releasing drum for further rotation.

The drum will shortly be brought to rest by engagement of a contact strip S2, and the apparatus will continue in full operation until a circuit is completedl by closing a switch 485. This completes a circuit through a magnet N3 which unlocks the armature 458 and thus causes the circuit through solenoid 453 to be broken.

'I'he switch 485 corresponds in function to any of the switches 10, |35 and |31 'previously described and may be controlled manually or automatically.

The armature 48| is` tion chamber, turbines to drive said pumps, said generator producing gas to drive said turbines, additional quick-acting high-pressure means to initially-feed small portions of said gasoline and liquid oxygen to said gas generator to start gas production therein, and automatic means to discontinue saidhigh-pressure feed to said generator when predetermined pump delivery pressures are attained.

. 3. In a rocket apparatus, a combustion chamber, a gas generator, feeding means for said combustion chamber operated by gas produced in said generator, a pressure tank to prime said generator, a receptacle containing an inert gas at high pressure, a connection between said pressurev tanks and said receptacle, a control drum, means to start said drum in rotation, and means rendered operative by such rotation of saidv control drum and effective to open said connection between said receptacle and said pressure tank and to thereby render said high pressure inert gas` v effective to force the contents of said pressure tank into said generator, whereby said generatoris primed and started in operation.

4. In a rocket'apparatus, a combustion cham.- ber, a gas generator, feeding means for said combustion chamber operated by gas produced in said v generator, apair of pressure tanks lto prime said generator, means to iill said tanks with gasolinel and `liquid oxygen, a. receptacle containing an inert gas at high pressure, a connection between' l tween said receptacle and said two pressure tankss 'and to thereby render said high pressure inert gas effective to simultaneously inJect the gasoline and liquid oxygen in saidvpressure tanks into said generator, whereby said generatoris primed and started in operation.

5. In a rocket apparatus having a combustion way filling connections from said storage tanks to said pressure tanks, connections from said pressure tanks to said generator, and means .to apply high gas pressure to said pressure tanks to force the contents thereof to said generator when starting said apparatus.

6. In a rocket apparatus, a combustion chamber, a storage tank for a liquid used to produce combustion in said chamber. a gas generator, feeding means for said combustion chamber, a gas-conducting connection betweensaid generator and said feeding means through which gas is supplied'to operate said feeding means, a relatively small pressure tank mounted in said storage tank and immersed in the liquid in said storage tank, said pressure tank having a one-way filling connection from the interior of the storage tank and having a feed connection to the generator, means to normally vent said pressure tank to the space at the top of said storage tank, and means to apply high pressure to said pressure tank to feed the contents thereof to said generator when starting said apparatus and to simultaneously close the vent connection between said pressure tank and said storage tank. .x

'7. Inv a rocket apparatus, a combustion chamber, separate storage tanks for liquids used to produce combustion in said chambenga gas generator, feeding means for said combustion chamber, a gas-'conducting connection between said generator andsaid feeding means lthrough which gas is supplied to operate said feeding means, a relatively small pressure tank mounted in each of said storage tanks and immersed in the liquid in said storage tank, each pressure tank having acne-,way filling connection from the interior ofvits storage tank and having a separate feed connection to'the generator, means to vent each pressure tank to the space at the top of its storage `ltank, a containerfof high pressure inert gas, and means to simultaneously admit said high pressure gas to both pressure tanks to feed the contents Y thereof to said generator when starting said apparatus and to simultaneously close the vent connections between said pressure tanks and said storage tanks.

' 8. InY a rocket apparatus having a combustion chamber, storage tanks for gasoline and liquid oxygen, pumps to feed said liquids to said com;- bustion chamber, turbines to drive said pumps and a generator to provide gas to drive said turbines, that improvement which comprises pressure tanks for liquid oxygen and gasoline enclosed in said storage tanks and normally im-A 9, In a rocket apparatus having a combustion chamber and nozzle effecting propulsion by. rearward discharge of gases under pressure from said nozzle, tanks containing combustion-supporting liquids, pumps to deliver said liquids to said com# bustion chamber, turbines for driving said pumps and a means for producing gas for driving said turbines, that improvement which comprises regulating means remote from the combustion chamber and associated with the gas-producing means and effective to, maintain a substantially l uniform rate of discharge of gases from said gasproducing means to said turbines, and manual means to vary the rate of discharge which is thus uniformly maintained, and said latter means being adjustable to vary said discharge while said y 'apparatus is in operation.

10. -In a rocket apparatus having a combustion chamber and nozzle, storage tanks for gasoline and liquid oxygen, means to feed said gasoline and liquid oxygen from said tanks to said combustion chamber, means to producegas for operating said feeding means and means to feed gasoline [liquid oxygen to said gas-producing means, a

regulating device for said valves remote from the combustion chamber and associated with the gasproducing means and effective to maintain a substantially uniform rate of discharge of gases from said gas-producing means to said feeding means, and manual means to change the operative effect 'of said regulating means and to thereby vary the gas-producing means, that improvement which comprises valves controlling said fee'd of gasoline `and liquid oxygen to said gas-producing means, an inert gas to actuate said valves, means to lmaintain said inert gas under substantially uniform initialpressure, a regulating device remote from the combustion chamber and associated with the gas-producing means and eiective to maintain a reduced uniform operative pressure of said inert gas to actuate said valves, and manual means to change the reduced operative pressure and to thereby-vary the feed of liquids to said gas-producing means and to thereby vary the rate of gas production in said gas-producing means,

l2. In a rocket apparatus having a combustion chamber and nozzle effecting propulsion by rearward discharge of gases under pressure from said nozzle, tanks containing combustion-supporting liquids, pumps for said liquids, turbines for driving said pumps, and a means for producing gas for 'driving said turbines that improvement which comprises automatic means to maintain a substantially uniform rate of discharge of Agases from said gas producing means, and said means including a regulating spring which effects an increase in the uniform rate as the spring tension is increased, and manual means to vary the maximum spring tension.

13. In a rocket apparatus having a combustion chamber and nozzle, means to feed gasoline and liquid oxygen to said chamber, tanks containing ber, storage tanks for gasoline and liquid oxygen, a pump to feed gasoline to said combustion chamber, a pump to feed -liquid oxygen to said comspring having a valve-positioning effect in direct I ratio to the spring tension, pressure-operated means to tension said spring, a stop to limit the maximum spring tension, and manual means to vary the position of said stop. Y

14. In a rocket apparatus, a combustion chamber, storage tanks for gasoline and liquid oxygen, a pump to feed gasoline to said combustion chamber, a pump to feed liquid oxygen to said combustion chamber, turbines for said pumps, a self-contained high pressure gas supply constituting a permanent part of said apparatus, a generator to supply gas to drive said turbines, means to apply said high pressure gas to initially inject gasoline and liquid oxygen from said storage tanks into said generator to' generate gas` and start said turbines and pumps in operation, and means to discontinue the application of said high pressure gas when said apparatus is in full operation, and the self-contained supply of high pressure gas being sufficiently large so that high pressure gas is thereafter immediately available to restart said apparatus.

15. In a rocket apparatus, a combustion chamber, storage tanks for gasoline and liquid oxygen, a pump to feed gasoline to said combustion chamber, a pumpto feed liquid oxygen to said combustion chamber, turbines for said pumps, a self-contained high pressure gas supply constituting a permanent part of said'apparatus, a generator to supply gas to drive said turbines, connections from said tanks to said generator, connections from said high pressure gas supply to said tanks, and means rendered operative by the attainment of predetermined feeding pressures by said'pumps and effective to open said latter connections, therebyv rendering said high pressure gas effective to quickly force' gasoline and liquid oxygen into said generator.

16. In a rocket apparatus, a combustion cham-` ber, storage tanks for gasoline and liquid oxygen, a pump to feed gasoline to said combustion chamber, a. pump to feed liquid oxygen to said combustion chamber, turbines for said pumps, a selfcontained high pressure gas supply constituting a permanent part of said apparatus, a generator to supply gas to drive said turbines, connections from said tanks to said generator, connections from said high pressure gas supply to said tanks, and means rendered operative by the attainment of predetermined feeding pressures by said pumps and effective to open said latter connections,

. thereby rendering said high pressure gas effective to quickly forcegasoline and liquid oxygen from said tanks into said generator, and means to prevent delivery of gasoline or liquid oxygen under said high gas pressure to said pumps.

17. In a rocket apparatus, a combustion chambustion' chamber, turbines for said pumps, a selfcontained high pressure gas supply constituting a permanent part of said apparatus, a generator to supply gas to drive said turbines, means rendered operative by the attainment of predetermined feeding pressures by said pumps and effective to apply said high pressure gas to initially inject gasoline and liquid oxygen from said storage tanks into said generator, means to discontinue the application of said high pressure gas when said apparatus is` in full operation, and means effective to close the connection to said high pressure gas supply as said apparatus becomes fully operative.

18. In a rocket apparatus, a combustion chamber, a gas generator, means operated by gases produced in said generator effective to feed com- 4high-pressure gas receptacle is opened.

19. In a rocket apparatus, a combustion chamber, storage tanks for'gasoline and liquid oxygen, a pump to feed gasoline to said combustion chamber, a pump to feed liquid oxygen t said cornbustion chamber, turbines for said pumps, a selfcontained high pressure gas supply constituting a permanent part of said apparatus, a generator to supply gas to drive said turbines, means to apply said high pressure gas to initially inject gasoline. and liquid oxygen from said storage tanks into said generator to generate gas and thereby start said turbines and pumps, pressureresponsive means to discontinue the application of said high pressure gas when the pumps have ,developed predetermined feeding pressures, and

means to prevent back iiow of gasoline or liquid oxygen from said pumps to said storage tanks.

20. In a rocket apparatus having a combustion chamber, storage tanks for gasoline and liquid oxygen, and means to feed said liquids to said combustion chamber, in combination, a valve controlling certain steps in the operation of said apparatus, a solenoid to open said control valve, a thermostatic device associated with said combustion chamber and controlling the closingv of the solenoid circuit, locking means to hold said circuit closed, and pressure-responsive means to release said locking means and to thereby open said circuit, said releasing means being responsive to the occurrencel of predetermined operative pressures in said apparatus. l

ROBERT H. GODDARD. 

